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SOUTHERN EXCLUSIVE

AN ICELANDX FAVORITE

6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS, 53 MILES (4 DAYS ON HORSEBACK)

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2023 Dates

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July 3

July 28

Aug 15

Sept 2

Call for Prices

Highlights of the South and Southwest

We have selected some of the most scenic riding trails in Iceland’s South and Southwest for this tour. Experienced riders enjoy spectacular days on horseback in small groups and the comfort of our hotel in the evening. Every morning we take the horses in a trailer to start the tour in a different, unique riding area close to civilization or at the edge of wilderness. We experience the popular riding area and unique “horse villages“ in beautiful nature on the doorstep of Reykjavik, soft trails in the volcanic Thjórsárdalur valley, wide open spaces and fascinating scenery in the highlands and riding on black lava beach of the Atlantic ocean.

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DURATION:

6 days, 5 nights – 4 days on horseback 

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RIDING DISTANCE:

85 kilometres

 

INCLUDED:

English speaking guide 

Riding and safety equipment

Private transportation from (BSI Bus Terminal in  Reykjavik to farm/Return from farm to Reykjavik Hotel.

 

Accommodation at Hotel Eldhestar and/or a nearby hotel in a shared room with full board.

 

Breakfast buffet, lunchbox: sandwich & cookies, coffee/tea & home-baked cake, 3-course dinner.

MEALS: 5 breakfast, 4 Lunch, 4 dinner 

Day-5 Reykjavik Hotel- Hotel Skuggi or Similar.

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NOT INCLUDED:

Airfare

Airport transfers

Any goods or services not specifically included in itinerary.

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WHAT TO BRING:

Good shoes, comfortable pants (riding pants not necessary), a camera, gloves, an insect net is recommended. Please bring a small waist bag as backpacks cannot be taken on horseback. Bring your swimsuit and towel.

DAY 1:

Arrival

  • Guests arrive at Keflavík Airport, Iceland and take the Flybus from Keflavík to Reykjavik (BSÍ Bus terminal).

  • You will be greeted by our representatives between 5:30pm and 6:00pm, who will transport you to the farm Vellir in the neighborhood of Hveragerði.

  • After check-in, dinner will be served at Hotel Eldhestar. (d)

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Day 2:
Ölfusá Delta and The Beach
  • We start at our farm with a ride across meadows, following the river Gljúfurá to the mighty Ölfusá glacial river, where we enjoy a panoramic view of the river delta with its black, sandy river banks, volcanic mountains and all the way to the ocean.

  • The tour continues on soft grassland along the river and through shallow water at the edge of the wide Ölfusá delta until we reach the black lava sand at the south coast.

  • On our way we have good chances to see birds of various kinds. One of the highlights of the tour is a brisk ride on the beach before reaching the fishing village Thorlákshöfn. (The tour can also start at the beach, depending on tides).

  • Riding distance: Around 16 miles. (b, l, d)
     

DAY 3:

Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
  • The day starts with a drive to the stable area in Reykjavik. After some fun ride on the oval track where the best horses competed on “Landsmót”, we spend the day riding on scenic trails in the wonderful nature reserve and outdoor recreational area Heiðmörk on the outskirts of the city.

  • The tour takes us through a surprisingly varied landscape of lakes, forests and lava formations.

  • We start along the wooded shores of lake Rauðavatn and continue through the impressive pseudo craters Rauðhólar, the “red hills” created in an eruption 4700 years ago.

  • We enjoy a nice view of the capital area from the hills near lake Elliðaárvatn, ride through the forest and visit another typical Icelandic “horse village” before driving with the trailer back to our farm.

  • Riding distance: Around 13 miles. (b, l, d)
     

Day 4:

Thjórsárdalur Valley
  • Today we drive east to the picturesque valley Thjórsárdalur and ride in an astonishing landscape formed by Iceland’s longest river Thjórsá and eruptions of the nearby volcano Hekla.

  • The lush valley at the edge of the barren highlands with its forests, streams, soft sandy ground, bizarre volcanic structures and green hills offers an unforgettable riding experience.

  • We visit an excavated farmhouse that was buried under a layer of ash from volcano Hekla 800 years ago as well as the valley Gjáin with its small waterfalls and ponds, a hidden natural treasures like an oasis in black sand.

  • Riding distance and time: Around 15 miles. (b, l, d)

 

Day 5:

Soft Banks of Glacial River Hvitá
  • We take our horses to the stable area in the nearby village of Selfoss. We ride through wide meadows north of Selfoss towards the mighty glacial river Hvitá and continue on soft trails along the river.

  • The grassy river banks and wide, green plains are ideal for long distances in brisk tölt while enjoying the view of majestic volcanic mountains in the distance, weather permitting.

  • We then leave the grassy river banks and ride on excellent riding trails through farmland back towards Selfoss. 

  • On the last day of riding the bus will take you back to your hotel in Reykjavik (arrival about 5:15pm). Riding distance and time: Around 14 miles. (b, l, d)
    Reykjavik overnight - Hotel Skuggi or similar.

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Day 6:

Last Day

  • After breakfast, check out of the hotel.

  • Grab your Fly Bus (BSÍ Bus terminal) back to Keflavík Airport for your journey back home. (b)

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